Hannah Cattermer joins First Travel Solutions bizdev team
First Travel Solutions has appointed Hannah Cattermer (pictured, second from right) as Business Development Manager.
She joins the managed passenger transport services specialist from the First Bus business development team and brings extensive experience in bidding and proposals across sectors including healthcare, managed services, and transport.
Appointment of Ms Cattermer completes a restructuring of the First Travel Solutions business development unit. Her arrival will help the supplier to strengthen client relationship, create bespoke transport solutions, and drive new growth opportunities.
It says that strong experience in areas including public sector procurement and end-to-end bid processes will leave Ms Cattermer able to play a key role in supporting expansion plans. She works alongside fellow Business Development Manager Paul Upton and Head of Business Development Nic Ryder.
Adds Commercial Director Richard Kirk: “Building a team with deep expertise and diverse experience has been a key part of our strategy.
“Hannah brings valuable knowledge of procurement and client management that perfectly complements the skills within our team. Together, this new structure means that we can continue to deliver on our mission to consistently provide better experiences for every client, whatever their transport challenge.”
Ms Ryder was appointed earlier in 2025 and has brought senior commercial partnership and growth experience from work at Avanti West Coast Trains, Virgin Trains, and Day Out With the Kids. Mr Upton was previously Sales Manager and has worked with clients including Team GB, West Ham United FC, and train operating company LNER.
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New Wrightbus CEO due with Jean-Marc Gales Deputy Chair move
A new Chief Executive is to be appointed by Wrightbus after it announced that current postholder Jean-Marc Gales (pictured) will become Deputy Chairman from 1 December.
Mr Gales has been credited for rapid expansion at the manufacturer, work that has seen it enter the battery-electric repower and coach fields under his leadership besides recording a strong uptick in production of new vehicles. As Deputy Chairman, he will focus on strategic global development through sites in Northern Ireland, Germany and Malaysia.
In joining Wrightbus in 2023, Mr Gales brought 30 years' automotive experience that includes leadership roles at various vehicle manufacturers. At that time, he cited growth and global expansion as his priorities for the Ballymena business.
Under Mr Gales’ charge, the company claims to have become Europe’s fastest-growing bus manufacturer. Since purchase out of administration by Jo Bamford in 2019, Wrightbus has built its employee roster from 49 to over 2,300. Mr Bamford’s other bus-related interests include depot charging solutions, alternative energy supply, and net-zero financing.
Speaking about how the manufacturer has developed, Mr Gales says: “I am incredibly proud of the results we have delivered at Wrightbus over the past two-and-a-half years. In a tough market, we have thrived, created thousands of jobs, bringing new levels of product quality to the bus market, and delighting passengers.
“In order to grow our presence across the globe, we need strategic focus, so I am looking forward to building on this momentum.”
Adds Mr Bamford: “Jean-Marc’s leadership has been transformational for this historic company. The climb out of administration in 2019 was tough, but we are now proud to be market leaders, driving quality and innovation in the bus sector and expanding into new areas.
“Jean-Marc’s relentless focus and passion for continuous improvement, supported by the whole Wrightbus team, has set the standard for our industry to follow. There is no time to stand still, and we are laser focused on the next stage of our growth.”
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Nigel Wood joins C9 Recruitment in Strategic Advisor position
Nigel Wood (pictured) has been named Strategic Advisor for Bus and Franchising by C9 Recruitment in the first of what the supplier says will be a series of such appointments.
He has more than 30 years’ leadership experiences in the regulated transport sector. Senior roles have included Area General Manager at Go-Ahead London, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Singapore, and most recently Chief Operating Officer at RATP Dev Transit London, now First Bus London.
After retiring from front-line operational duties earlier in 2025, Mr Wood has established himself as an independent transport consultant and advisor.
C9 Recruitment says that his decision to align with the supplier “reflects the strong respect he holds for the business and the culture fostered by Founder and Executive Chairman Sam Wharfe over many years.”
Mr Wood has earned a reputation for having a deep understanding of the Transport for London red bus market and beyond, and the delivery of operational and engineering excellence.
Mr Wharfe notes that the arrival of Mr Wood is significant for C9: “I will never forget a day some time ago when Nigel said to me: ‘One day I would love to be your mentor'. At the time, it felt like one of those passing comments where you smile and move on, but here we are in a full circle.
“Today, Nigel joins us as a Strategic Advisor. For me, this is not just another appointment. It is a surreal and proud moment that reflects how far we have come, and the calibre of people who now believe in what we are building.”
C9 adds that Mr Wood’s time in the bus industry “has been defined by a commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, combined with expertise in service delivery, people engagement, driver wellbeing, and clear communication.”
Speaking about his decision to work with the recruitment specialist, Mr Wood says: “I am pleased to join C9 Group as Strategic Advisor.
“My career has always been about safe, legal and compliant transport operations. C9 stands out for building trusted partnerships, thoroughly vetting drivers and engineers, and ensuring the right match for every client. With franchising and bus partnerships ahead, it is an exciting time to contribute.”
C9 notes that it is committed to building meaningful relationships with key figures across the industry “to ensure that the business remains at the forefront of operational engagement.”
Chief Executive Alfie Rae adds: “Nigel joining us as a Strategic Advisor marks an important milestone for C9. I have known him for many years and have always respected his experience and leadership.
“For him to now choose to work alongside us is a real privilege. I am honoured to welcome Nigel as our Strategic Advisor and excited about what we will achieve together.”
Commercial Director Daniel Lunn notes how strategic appointments are key to the future direction of C9 Recruitment and that the presence of people like Mr Wood will ensure that the supplier remains relevant, forward-thinking and focused.
“With franchising opening up new opportunities, we are already engaging with multiple stakeholders and exploring bid submissions. While we already have a wealth of expertise within the business, bringing in additional knowledge and perspective will be instrumental to our long-term success.”
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